In an irony of events, the takeover of Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) by the Sports Ministry has backfired, at least for the present, as a Special General Meeting ahead of an election of office-bearers to the sport’s governing body was called off.
The meeting was to be held on July 15.
Sports Minister Harin Fernando placed SLR under the supervision of his Sports Director retired naval officer Rear Admiral Shemal Fernando over allegations that a free and fair election of office bearers will not be held due to vote-buying.
But the situation aggravated when seven Provincial Rugby Unions affiliated to SLR with voting rights obtained a Stay Order against a reported move by Rear Admiral Fernando who wanted changes to the sport’s Constitution to fall in line with a World Rugby requirement.
The changes were to be thrashed out at the Special General Meeting.
The dissenting seven provincial unions told the Appeal Court that Fernando’s mandate was only to conduct the election office bearers.
